The Hidden Cost of Material Inconsistency: Why Titanium and Supply Chain Strategy Matter in Additive Manufacturing

The Real Bottleneck in Additive Manufacturing

When people talk about additive manufacturing (AM), the focus is often on printers and designs. But the real story is in the materials. Variability in powder quality, access to critical metals like titanium, and the lack of integrated supply chain strategies are quietly creating costly bottlenecks. These challenges don’t just slow production - they put safety, repeatability, and business continuity at risk.

At Authentise, we believe the material story is just as critical as the machine story. Here’s why.

The Hidden Cost of Material Inconsistency

Even small deviations in powder quality - particle size distribution, moisture, contamination - can derail production. The consequences are significant:

• Higher part rejection rates that drive up costs.

• Safety and compliance risks in regulated sectors like aerospace and medtech.

• Lost productivity from rework and downtime.

Authentise helps manufacturers track material properties across the entire lifecycle. From part genealogy to in-process adjustments, our software ensures data doesn’t disappear into silos but instead drives repeatability and confidence.

Is Titanium the New Bottleneck?

Titanium is a prime example of a material bottleneck. Widely demanded by defence, aerospace, and medical manufacturers, its supply chain is under strain.

As one industry leader put it:

“The material exists - the access doesn’t.”

Scarcity drives up prices and creates unpredictable lead times, forcing engineering teams to delay projects or compromise on material choice. With Authentise, companies can qualify alternatives early, manage reuse protocols, and maintain real-time visibility into what’s actually available.

Beyond the BOM: Why Material Access Must Be Part of Your AM Strategy

Too often, material planning stops at the bill of materials (BOM). In reality, material access is not a purchasing afterthought - it’s a strategic necessity.

To thrive, manufacturers must:

• Integrate supplier data with production planning.

• Enable traceability from powder batch to final part.

• Make smarter decisions based on live inventory and quality data.

Authentise Flows does exactly this: providing the connected digital infrastructure to align supply, demand, and execution. The result? Less waste, fewer surprises, and more reliable output.

It’s Time to Rethink AM’s Material Mindset

Additive manufacturing has always been about innovation, but innovation stalls without the right material at the right quality. Whether it’s powder variability, titanium shortages, or outdated BOM-centric planning, the risks are clear.

With Authentise, manufacturers can transform material challenges into strategic advantages - ensuring every part is built on a foundation of trust, traceability, and timely access.

👉 Ready to see how Authentise can help you take control of your material story? Book a demo today.